2001-08-25 Yutaka Niida w pts 12 Chana Porpaoin, Pacifico Convention Hall, Yokohama, Japan - WBA. Referee: Steve Smoger. Scorecards: 116-113, 116-115, 116-113. In capturing the title, Niida (103½) got off to a good start, piling up the points with a good jab, before having to withstand a late rush by Porpaoin (105). At the finish, Niida, who had gained a narrow but worthy victory.

Almost immediately Niida announced his retirement and to find a successor the WBA matched Keitaro Hoshino and Jomo Gamboa to contest the vacant title.